MS HB1498

Appropriates $10,811,689.00 from the State General Fund and $248,276,333.00 from special funds to the Department of Environmental Quality for fiscal year 2012 (July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012).

Authorizes 274 permanent full-time positions and 201 time-limited full-time positions for the department.

Establishes performance targets for pollution control, construction grants, land and water management, and geology activities, with results to be reported in the FY2013 budget request.

Authorizes the department to escalate budgets up to $5,000,000.00 with State Fiscal Officer approval and allows the Executive Director to transfer cash between special funds with written justification.

Includes provisions for motor vehicle usage compliance, cell phone usage record compilation, preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in purchasing, and payment of prior-year expenses for Hancock County Utility Authority.